Half a million people turn out for Chicago’s St. Patty’s festivities

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An estimated 500,000 people headed downtown Saturday to watch the Chicago River dyed green and to celebrate the city’s annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, said police.

The gray of a brutal winter was replaced with lots of sunshine and bright green. The parade down Columbus Drive brought out the usual crowd of green-clad families, marching bands, Irish dancers, and politicians.

The Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations continue on Sunday with the South Side Irish Parade and the Northwest Side Irish Parade.